Oscillator Error Detection Using PLL Lock to Broadcast Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting defects in oscillators used in electronic devices, such as those in display devices, are inadequate as they rely on scopes, frequency counters, and spectrum analyzers, and do not effectively address the issue of oscillator defects during operation, which can lead to distorted screens or other operational problems.

Innovation Solution

An error detector and method that utilize a controller to change the phase and frequency of the oscillation signal to match a reference signal, such as a broadcast signal, within a selected frequency range, and determine if an error is present by locking or unlocking, without the need for additional equipment like scopes or frequency counters, using a phase locked loop and level detection to generate a control command for GUI notification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional equipment like scopes, frequency counters, and spectrum analyzers are used to detect oscillator defects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillator defect detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillator system performs self-diagnosis by using its own internal resources (CPU, existing signal processing circuits) to detect defects through broadcast signal analysis, eliminating the need for external specialized measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcast signal receiver is designed to serve multiple functions: normal signal reception and oscillator defect detection, allowing the same hardware to perform both primary communication tasks and diagnostic functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If oscillator operation is monitored continuously to detect defects early, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillator operation reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for defect detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The defect detection is performed periodically at specific intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to monitor oscillator health over time while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcast signal serves as an intermediary carrier that enables defect detection without requiring dedicated test signals or additional energy-intensive measurement processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frequency range is widened to cover all possible oscillator variations, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoiderror detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency range parameters are made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the system to adapt the detection range based on specific operational conditions while maintaining precision through configurable thresholds and parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for effective detection of oscillator defects using broadcast signals, enabling accurate identification of errors and notification of issues without additional equipment, ensuring proper operation of electronic devices by determining if the oscillator is functioning within acceptable frequency ranges.

Implementation Method 1

using a phase locked loop and level detection to generate a control command for GUI notification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase locked loop:

Data Source

PatentEP3002875B1Error detector and method for detecting error of an oscillator
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3002875B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3002875B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3002875B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An error detector and a method for detecting an error of an oscillator are provided. The error detector includes a receiver that receives an oscillation signal of an oscillator and a reference signal; and a controller that changes the oscillation signal within a frequency range so as to correspond to the reference signal and decides whether an error is generated in the oscillator based on the changed oscillation signal.